Spartans climb table after taming the Lions in style

The young Rugby League side produced an impressive performance at the Gables.

And that delighted Spartans chairman Steve Drew.

“It was great to see the team get back to winning ways against Cambridge at the weekend after a couple of tough weeks in the office,” said Drew, who also featured in the victory.

“We’ve still got a couple of things to work on but considering the head coach’s decision to include four of our under-17 players on the team sheet the future is looking very bright for Spartans.”

Getting stuck in - Michael O'Leary battles for the ball

Matthew Tisi bagged four tries for Southend, while William Ferrier touched down three times.

Tom Rose, George Wood, Callum Bartlett, Gwyneth Barron, Joe Nagy, Ryan Campbell-Webster, Chris Flynn and Al Parker also bagged tries, while Nagy added nine conversions.

Flynn also kicked a successful conversion to seal a successful afternoon for the Spartans, who will now be turning their attention towards the East RL Challenge Shield semi-final clash with Brentwood this weekend.

And Dan Steel, director of the London Rugby League Foundation, has been incredibly impressed by the growth of the sport in the south of the country.

“There’s some terrific work being done in London and the south-east to develop the great sport of Rugby League,” said Steel.

“Southend Spartans are part of a small but passionate community of volunteers who have done an outstanding job developing the sport during the last decade.

Two Southend players combine to halt an opponent

“From partnering Sky in the Sky Try initiative, providing primary school children the opportunity to play rugby, through to providing pathways to play in the London Origin series, Colleges RL, and London Broncos scholarships they’ve been great.”

And Steel added: “The sport continues to grow with a new club starting in Basildon, as well as further community clubs providing opportunities in Brentwood and Colchester, so we’re really pleased.”